Review of the day

Uno Valeroso ran a great race at Catterick this afternoon, but just couldn’t quite peg back Cloudy Joker.

The front running war that I had hoped for, never materialised.

Mr Burbidge led over the first - but he was going a stride too fast and knuckled on landing, effectively ruining his chance.

Meanwhile, Grey Life was held up, with his connections clearing opting not to get into a battle.

As a result of Mr Burbidge’s mistake, Uno Valeroso actually lead over the second –which was a bit bizarre !

However, Cloudy Joker then took up the running – and got an uncontested lead.

He made that pay on New Years day – and he did so again today.

Down the back straight, his jumping was exemplary – and he managed to get just a bit too far in front.

Uno Valeroso was once again running him down after the last – and actually traded at 1.33 in running – but Cloudy Joker had enough in the tank to hold him off.

We couldn’t consider ourselves unlucky – Cloudy Joker won on merit – we were just a bit unfortunate that he got he run of the race, when that didn’t look likely to happen…

Fair to Middling was the other tip on the day – but there is little to be said about him…

I wanted to see some market support for him – but it didn’t materialise.

That concerned me – and when he set off close to the back of the field, I felt the writing was on the wall.

He never featured in the race – and was pulled up before the second last.

Quite why connections chose to travel so far with him, is a complete mystery to me…

In terms of the mentions, then there was drama in the North Yorkshire National…

One of my 2 value picks in the race, Alto Des Mottes, looked to have the race won, when jumping the last over 15 lengths clear.

He was clearly tired, but it took some imagination to see him over hauled.

Yet that was exactly what happened – with Lackamon collaring him in the shadows of the post.

Over £11K was traded on him on BF at 1.01.
I just wish I’d layed off some of my bet 

In the same race Gorgehouse Liege bounced back to form, to run third.

I do think that if the ground had been just that bit softer, he would have won…

Over in Ireland, there was a workman like win for Don Cossack.

I suspect he will be pushed out in the Gold Cup betting as a result – but I’m not sure I would read too much into today’s performance.

Whether he is up to winning the Gold Cup though, still remains open to debate.

Bitofapuzzle looked to have the mares chase sown up, when she put in an extra stride before jumping the third last - and paid the penalty.

I’m pretty sure she would have won – but the fences are there to be jumped.

In the handicap hurdle, O Ceallaigh ran a reasonable race - but does look at touch high in the weights.
Whilst in the finale, Two Rockers rewarded supporters with victory at odds of 4/6 – after his main rival was declared a NR

He nearly threw it away with a bad jump at the last – but clearly had tons in hand as he then picked up and sprinted right away from the runner up.

He is one to have on the radar for the Fox Hunters at the Cheltenham festival…

TVB.